Bed and Breakfast from A.M. Kherbash is a short but rollercoaster of a read.

We are introduced to Emma and her husband Nolan who booked them 2 nights at a bed and breakfast. We also meet Leah who is the owner of the b&b. We learn that Emma is ignoring her husband Nolan because he cheated and Emma is recovering from the loss of a pregnancy and is depressed. The book takes a dark and interesting turn, but is one of those books that seem to end abruptly

Thank you A.M Kherbash for partnering with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

This book published July 31st 2025

A couple arrives at a bed and breakfast to rekindle their relationship, which has been shaken by several miscarriages.

Overall, I enjoyed this novella! It was intriguing at times, and definitely had a creepy vibe. My main critique is that it straddles eerie/domestic thriller/mystical in a way that felt indecisive to me. I wish there was a little more explanation behind elements like the mushrooms or baby dolls. And it definitely became muddied towards the end, either symbolic or confusing!

I truly enjoyed this book, although it's hard to categorize it strictly as horror but there is definitely a blend of psychological horror infused with unsettling themes, which creates an atmosphere filled with tension and unease. There are undeniably some incredibly creepy moments that linger in your mind.

What struck me most was Kherbash's nuanced portrayal of grief and complex trauma. The insights felt so authentic that I could practically feel Emma's emotions radiating off the pages—her pain, confusion, and vulnerability were palpable throughout the narrative.

The book also explores intriguing themes surrounding mushrooms, which I found fascinating. However, I wished the author had delved deeper into this aspect, as I felt there was so much more to uncover about their significance and symbolism that was left somewhat unexplored.

There are sections where the text becomes disorienting and trippy, and I believe this was a deliberate choice by the author. It mirrors the dreamlike quality of the story, evoking the sensation of a fever dream that reflects Nolan's inner turmoil and fragmented realities.

While I empathised deeply with Emma’s grief, I struggled to connect with her or Nolan. This disconnection made it challenging to root for them as the story unfolded, even though I understood the complex layers of their struggles.

The ambiguous ending left me with a sense of contemplation that lingered long after I turned the final page, prompting me to ponder the deeper meanings behind the narrative.

This book was unlike anything I anticipated. The cover art is stunning and truly drew me in, setting high expectations. Even though it veered in directions I hadn't expected, I ultimately found it to be a rewarding experience. I'm now eager to explore more of Kherbash's work and see where their storytelling takes me next.

Thank you to the Author, publishers and Netgally for the ARC of this book. This review is my own.

After spending a lovely weekend at a bed and breakfast, Nolan returns a year later with his wife, Emma, hoping to relive those happy memories and move past a painful event that has cast a shadow over their marriage. Nolan deeply—almost desperately—loves Emma, and in the wake of her grief, he’s willing to do anything to bring happiness back into their lives.

The novella jumps straight into the action, which I appreciated, especially in a shorter story. However, I felt the ending was too abrupt, leaving me wanting more closure.

There were eerie and unsettling moments, creating an intriguing atmosphere, but the plot sometimes felt surreal and hard to follow. The dreamlike quality added to the suspense, yet I struggled to connect the dots. The characters were well-drawn, though I believe a more straightforward plot would have heightened the tension and fear factor.

While Bed and Breakfast is categorized as horror, I wouldn’t classify it as such. It leans toward a psychological thriller with an unsettling tone rather than outright horror.

After a traumatic year, struggling couple Nolan and Emma return to a Bed and Breakfast where they had previously vacationed during happier times. But this is no longer the sunny B&B they remember. Now under new management, the sole proprietor casts a foreboding presence over their stay. They sense that something is amiss — perhaps they should have listened to their instincts to flee at the first opportunity.

There were some genuinely satisfying creepy elements and hair-raising jump scares in the first half of the book. I loved the way the Kherbash built the tension at the outset by throwing out one creepy tidbit after the other. I felt some Hitchocockian vibes here -- almost a "Psycho" atmosphere. The prose was effectively executed (allowing for typos given this is an early ARC), and the characters felt authentic and compelling.

While the first half had me hooked, I was confused by the last quarter. I realize it is a tightrope writing horror; if you overexplain it loses its edge… But I needed a little more hint as to how the various loose threads came together in this story. It left me feeling frustrated after I had become so attached to the characters. That said, I am reviewing an early ARC, so the contents may change before publication.

The horror device here is primarily psychological horror, reminiscent of classic Hitchcock or Ira Levin. I would love to read more from this author — while I was a little frustrated with parts of this book, the psychological elements were spot on and the prose was rhythmic and absorbing.

Thank you NetGalley and A.M. Kherbash for sending me an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I saw the cover of this one and needed it! I love a creepy short story and this was it! I liked how eerie the characters were and the setting was creepy as well. I’m hoping to read more from this author.

Whew, Bed and Breakfast took me on a ride I wasn't fully prepared for! Let's start with the good stuff-this book absolutely delivered on the eerie, unsettling vibes I was craving. The atmospheric setting? Chef's kiss. The creeping sense of dread? Perfectly done. The kind of spooky that makes you question every creak in your own house? Oh yeah, It's got that.

But I have to be honest-this one was a tough read for me personally due to themes of infant loss and infertility struggles. It hit hard, and there were moments I had to step away. If those topics are sensitive for you, definitely go in with that in mind.

That said, A.M. Kherbash knows how to weave a story that lingers like a ghost in the back of your mind. The horror elements were on point, the tension built beautifully, and the ending? Let's just say it left me staring at the ceiling, it was abrupt but leaves you thinking.

Final verdict: A hauntingly good read with some heavy emotional punches-proceed with caution but enjoy the chills!
As always- thank you to Netgalley for a chance to read this in advance in exchange for my honest review

The description of the book makes you think this is almost a self help book. The reviews and cover let you know it's a horror. Super quick Novella that is sure to prevent you from traveling alone.

I want to say thank you to netgalley and the author.

Upon saying that , I started reading this ebook when I was in a middle of a heated argument with my husband. Out of frustration i grabbed my kindle and angrily just picked this specific book. I started to read not really thinking or planning on reading I was just needing to do something other than argue. After a few words in I was intrigued. I no longer enraged in anger with my spouse but only slightly annoyed. Annoyed now because he wanted to continue to argue when all I wanted was to continue reading. This is such a good horror novella. It's very creepy and gave me the goosebumps. I felt like I was in a fever dream. I enjoyed it so much. I would love the story to be longer to be honest. I really enjoyed the characters and i would have loved to keep reading because ot just felt unfinished to me. I guess you can chalk that up to me just wanting it to be longer. Love it,

I was not a fan of this book unfortunately. I found this way to similar to movies like The visit or speak no evil but not done nearly as well. I can see what the author was going for but this just didn't work for me.

Bed and Breakfast by AM Kherbash is a chilling and surreal horror novel that blends psychological dread with cosmic horror. The story unfolds in a remote, unsettling inn where reality feels unstable, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and unease. Kherbash’s writing is vivid and unsettling, with a creeping tension that builds throughout. The novel’s dreamlike logic and eerie imagery make it a unique and disorienting read, perfect for fans of unsettling, mind-bending horror.

A young couple, he a teacher, she fighting depression after a miscarriage, plan to spend a weekend away at a bed and breakfast they had visited a year earlier. Nolan hopes to revive his failing marriage to Emma but when they arrive, they are unwelcome. This was a chance to flee. Host Leah is definitely odd and tells them the B&B is closed. Chance #2. Nolan asks if they could just see the room they stayed in year earlier. Leah allows them to and then announces that they are welcome to stay for the weekend. They are delighted. It’s too late for chance #3. Then the horror begins.

I think that true horror novels begin by pulling you in to a perfectly believable story. As you become familiar with the characters and the location, small disturbing details begin. Suspense builds and by the time all heck breaks loose, you are right there being terrified with the characters. Bed and Breakfast begins too quickly for the reader to become invested. I think it would work better as a longer novel or a short story. A novel begins with Nolan and Emma at home and spends time introducing them and their problems. A short story concentrates on Leah and her plans and leaves the couple as background figures. 3 stars but I hope A. M. Kherbash keeps writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and A. M. Kherbash for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

I found this novella in the horror section and was initially intrigued by the cover and the blurb.

I’ve never read anything by this author. If I’m being honest after reading this, I’m unlikely to read anything else.
The first couple of chapters were promising and then fell flat. This took me days to read and had a soporific effect on me.

The characters were boring and had no growth whatsoever. The story itself tried far too hard to be surreal and needless to say, failed.
The grammatical errors and typos were so vast, that I’m praying to the book gods it receives another pass from the editor(s).

The ending was wonderful. I wish I foresaw this book for what it was and followed in his stead; but alas…

What happens when love isn't enough to hold a relationship together? When a couple's desires and dreams diverge, can their bond survive the strain? This poignant and unsettling novella explores the fragile state of a relationship, as an eccentric B&B proprietor senses their vulnerabilities and begins to exert a mysterious influence. Her true nature is ambiguous, leaving the reader wondering if she's a mere busybody, a witch, or something far more sinister. To avoid spoilers, it's best to dive in blind. This heartfelt and spooky tale will leave you questioning everything, with an ending that will haunt you long after you finish reading. 4.5 stars, rounded up.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this ARC

This one was just okay. I loved the beginning and thought it had a lot of potential but sadly fell flat as the story went on.

I was initially intrigued by the cover art and premise, haven't read anything by this author before. The first few pages were promising but I just couldn't finish the story (I tried to move forward for three days).

I felt like this could have been a strong short story. The novella length here feels padded, the dialogue is very flat, and I couldn't relate to any of the characters. This could have used another pass from content/copy editors.

Thank you so much, NetGalley, for the opportunity to review this title.

Great read. Couldn't put it down. Thank you for letting me read this.advance reader copy. Five stars.

Ooof, I keep finding myself reading these books about horrible tragic things happening to new mothers and babies while I’m nine months pregnant. Hopefully that’s just a coincidence.

Emma and Nolan, a grieving couple, return to the romantic bed and breakfast that kicked off their conception journey in hopes of rekindling some romance and sanity. Upon arriving, they are met with an unfriendly owner and an instance that the B&B is closed… but quickly changes her mind after discovering they are returning customers.

Leah, the B&B owner, is peculiar indeed and rather imposing on Emma and Nolan’s privacy, especially after learning of their loss. It doesn’t take Nolan long to realize that Leah intends on keeping them their longer than originally planned and has picked up on her means of ostracizing him from his wife and her best interests — luring Emma into the idea of resurrecting their long and gone daughter… oof.

This one was slow at first but wickedly horrific by the end. I am so thankful to A.M. Kherbash and Netgalley for the early access before pub day (August 1, 2025

~thanks to the author and NetGalley for giving me a chance to read and review this book~

Super creepy. Not what I was expecting this book to turn out to be but I really enjoyed it. When you’re reading it at midnight, it’s definitely spooky. I loved the ending

This was a really heartfelt story about a couple trying to erase the last years of their lives to become happy again. The main chapters are likeable and you do hope for a happy ending until certain things are uncovered. I really enjoyed this read. It was different but good. Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this